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According to WBAL, in April of 2017 two people died in a wrong way crash. At least one person was injured. The accident happened in Annapolis. Preliminary reports describe an SUV involved in the accident traveling westbound on Route 50 around 1pm. The vehicle struck another SUV head-on between Bay Dale Drive and Ritchie Highway.

A 22-year-old from Salisbury was driving the SUV and allegedly traveling the wrong way. A 14-month-old boy, a passenger in her vehicle at the time, was flown to an area hospital after the accident.

The other SUV went off road into a wooded area of the highway. According to the news report, a tow truck was able to pull the vehicle upright so first responders could rescue the man trapped in the vehicle. The 66-year-old man was trapped in the SUV from the waist down. Once rescued, he was flown to an area hospital, where he later died.

Preliminary reports from police indicate they are not sure why the accident happened. They have not ruled out distracted driving or impaired driving.

Distracted Driving is Illegal in Baltimore

Distracted driving is a general term describing a driver is doing something else while operating a motor vehicle. The could include a simple task like texting, trying to find a channel on the radio, or talking to a passenger. The distracting behavior prevents them from completely focusing on the road and putting them at risk of causing an accident.

Maryland law requires all drivers to operate their motor vehicles while paying attention to laws and other people and cars on the road. Any activity completed while operating a motor vehicle can lead to distracted driving. Conditions that lead distracted driving include, but are not limited to:

Auditory distraction such as listening to music, a sudden cell phone ring, or a loud horn

Visual distraction such as looking away from the roadway while driving to look at a cell phone or passenger

Cognitive distraction such as the driver letting his or her mind wander

Biomechanical distraction such as adjusting the vehicle’s overhead visor or dashboard controls

If another driver caused an accident because he or she was driving while distracted, then you can file a personal injury lawsuit on the basis that he or she was negligent. Negligence is the failure to act as a reasonable driver would in the same or similar circumstances. The at-fault driver had a legal duty to protect other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the roadway from an accident that causes harm. That driver drove while distracted, however, and caused an accident, and thus may be liable for injuries caused. Contact us for help today.